Scripture About Worry: Finding Hope in God’s Word

Worrying is a normal human reaction caused by uncertainty or fear of things that are beyond one’s control. Most people want to feel like they are in control of their lives or certain aspects of them. Ironically, life by its very nature is uncertain, and for most people, this translates to having one or more things to worry about at any given time.

Common things that people worry about include their own or their loved one’s health, finances, employment issues, and relationships. Worry is not just limited to circumstances, but it can extend to things happening in the bigger world around us. The mainstream news adds to the worry list as they expose crime, inflation, rising costs of living, wars, civil unrest in different parts of the world, natural disasters, hunger and famine, and climate change.

For the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a significant driver of worry. People were worried about whether they or their loved ones would contract the virus and if they did, whether they would survive it. Healthcare workers were caught between worrying about the welfare of their patients and worrying about their safety in the workplace.

People worried about vaccines and whether there would be enough for everyone and whether they were safe to take. People worried about losing their jobs and those that lost their jobs continue to worry about their livelihoods. Given all this, it is easy for one to be consumed by fear which in turn leads to worrying.

Does worry change things?

There is a famous saying by Erma Bombeck which says, “worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” What this means is, worrying does not prevent bad things from happening. Instead of losing yourself in worry, the best you can do when faced with a worrying situation is ask yourself if there is something you can do.

If the answer is no, then it means that whatever you are worrying about is beyond your control. This means that no amount of worry will influence the outcome, hence one should try to let go of the worry. On the other hand, if there is something that you can do to influence the outcome, energy is better spent on doing something rather than worrying.

This, however, is easier said than done because no matter how hard you try, sometimes you just find yourself buried deep in worry, wondering what now?

Scripture About Worry: What Does the Bible Say?

As Christians, it is a wonderful privilege to be able to turn to the Bible for answers about anything that the world may throw at you. There is nothing that you may face under the sun that the Bible does not have an answer for, so let’s look at several passages about worry.

As mentioned above, worry is a result of fear or uncertainty surrounding a particular situation and Joshua 1:9 (NIV) says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” These words, originally spoken to Joshua, still apply to present-day Christians who may be facing challenging situations.

God does not just say to be strong and courageous, but He commands it. He also doesn’t just leave it at that command but makes a promise that He will be with you wherever you go. Because God does not lie, you can bring your challenges and worries before Him in prayer, waiting in faith and trusting that He will deal with the situation(s) according to His will and according to his abundant grace.

In Psalm 23:4 (NIV) we are shown how David exercised that kind of faith when he says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” David was not afraid of anything because he had confidence in God who was his protector and comforter. You too can have that kind of protection and comfort in God if you trust Him fully.

In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus specifically dealt with the issue of worry. In this passage, there are three important lessons to reflect on:

God is the ultimate provider of all your needs and wants and you must put your faith in his ability to so provide. Matthew 6:26 (NIV) says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? And Matthew 6:30 says, “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith?”

If you are a Christian, you must never forget that you do not have autonomy. That is, you are never free to live your life without reference to God. By choosing to walk the Christian walk, you place your life, your worries, and your concerns in His hands. You must therefore not just say this in words, but you must follow it through by trusting His ability to provide for all your needs. You cannot be walking in faith if you still want to be in control of every aspect of your life.

Worrying does not change the outcome of your situation only God can. Matthew 6: 27 (NIV) says, “Can one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” These words are a stern reminder that as mere mortals, there is nothing we can do to extend our life beyond our appointed time to die. Read this together with Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Always remember that God sees beyond what the human mind can ever see, comprehend, or perceive. He sees the complete picture as Creator, where we only see a dim and partial reflection as creatures. It may not make sense to your human mind, but God’s wisdom is perfect, and He is all-knowing, so trusting Him is the only wise course.

Instead of worrying, put your focus on God. God knows what you need even before you ask him. Matthew 6:32-33 says, “For pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” If non-believers worry and you worry just like them, nothing sets you apart as a Christian.

If you are a Christian and yet you keep worrying as unbelievers do, you are insulting the power of God. God wants you to surrender your life into His hands because He is willing and able to take care of you. Much of what people worry about is trivial in God’s eyes because it adds little or no value to the life that Christians are called to live.

The devil uses worry as a weapon to take your focus from God, causing you to spend days, weeks, and sometimes even years paralyzed by fear and worry. This passage seeks to redirect your focus. God is saying not to make earthly things like your health, your finances, your relationships, your career, your children, and any other such concerns your primary focus. Instead of worrying hopelessly about these things like unbelievers do, put your focus on Him and His kingdom.

To cement that Christians only need to trust in God and stay focused on Him and his word and He will sustain them, Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) says, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” How comforting these words are!

Still Feeling Overwhelmed?

The worries of this world are many and it is easy for anyone to feel overwhelmed and out of their depth. The Bible has a lot to say about worry that can provide you comfort, but if you still feel like you need someone to talk to, reach out to us and we will get you the help you need.